Don’t let their shy demeanour fool you—hedgehogs quietly patrol our gardens at night, keeping pests in check and even standing up to venomous vipers. It turns out this spiky neighbour is one of nature’s most efficient pest controllers.
Hedgehog in peril: a garden ally under threat
Despite being a beloved sight for many, hedgehog numbers are plunging across Europe and North America. Road traffic, loss of hedgerows and widespread pesticide use all take their toll. According to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, populations have declined by over 50% since the turn of the century. Yet these little mammals repay our protection handsomely by feasting on slugs, snails and even the occasional nesting viper.
Hedgehog vs Viper: how this hero defends your garden with ease
Armed with up to 6,000 quills, a hedgehog curls into an impenetrable ball when threatened. But there’s more to its armour than meets the eye. Studies reveal that the European hedgehog’s blood contains molecules that neutralise viper venom’s haemorrhagic effects. When a viper strikes, its fangs rarely penetrate the spiky barrier, and any venom that does is partially countered by those specialised proteins. Night after night, these silent guardians patrol flowerbeds, discouraging both soft-bodied pests and bold snakes alike.
How to welcome this little guardian for a healthy vegetable patch
Inviting hedgehogs into your backyard is simpler than you might think. Leave a 150mm gap at the base of your fence to grant them safe passage, and create a log or leaf pile in a quiet corner for winter hibernation. Planting native shrubs and avoiding chemical slug pellets will turn your plot into a hedgehog haven. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends providing a shallow dish of water and even a dish of dry cat food to give them a little extra energy during cold spells.
By giving hedgehogs a foothold in our gardens, we gain a natural ally against garden invaders—no traps, no toxins, just nature’s own defender at your service.
